COLLEAGUES at the Countess of Chester Hospital say they were 'saddened' to hear of the death of former chairman Harry Bush.

Staff at the Liverpool Road unit have offered their sincere condolences to his family.

Harry, 76, who died on Monday of last week, served as chairman of the hospital trust from November 1994 until his retirement four years later.

Dr John Houghton, a consultant radiologist, said: 'Harry was extremely smart, both in appearance and mentally.

'It was during his chairmanship that the fortunes of the hospital were turned around and he left behind him an extremely strong team who built on his endeavours to produce a successful trust.

'He was always ready to speak to staff, to listen to anyone's problems -­ and particularly to their views on how the hospital could be improved.'

He said Harry was a dedicated man. 'We remained friends following his retirement and he always maintained his interest in the hospital,' added Dr Houghton.

Harry was a very fit man who had been a swimmer of national standard and he continued these activities until he was prevented by ill health.

In spite of the seriousness of his illnesses, he was always pleasant, polite, optimistic and appreciative.

'Harry was a fine, astute, understanding person, who despite his passion for business, was always pleased to talk of his home life and of his happiness with his wife, Sylvia, who gave him the strong support necessary in recent months,' said Dr Houghton.